Full moon in Libra (yesterday) Buddha Birthday (tomorrow)

Venus and Saturn have been side-by-side creating a number of nuanced (Pisces) experiences around our values and commitments. Some relationships might feel strained–other’s might benefit from renewing commitments and looking at the structures around give and take/exchange. The bouncing back and forth over the tariffs implementation and pausing is completely evident in the stars. The strong Pisces energy highlights the unknowns–the awareness that there’s a veneer around what is actually happening in the communication via media (Mercury is also in Pisces) and the Venus/Saturn conjunction is bringing the sense of strain, austerity, scaling back, unfairness, and bringing in a tightness and fear or even a focus about consolidation around resources. We are all “soul-searching” over what is durable, what remains steadfast. We are looking for principles to live by that remain firm regardless of whatever. There might also be a lot of comparison’s to the past, with Mars transiting in trine from the Venus/Saturn conjunction to the sign of Cancer (which rules memories). Idealism is acting wobbly and wonky right now.

With Chiron conjoining Sun in Aries, some primordial wounds that have never healed get highlighted. Chiron was himself a great healer, but he was unable to heal from his wound. Chiron went into the healing arts as also a way to heal himself. A Rumi poem as quoted in link above demonstrates the way the healing path works for the healer for self and others (for more information on the details of Chiron’s story).

Your doctor must have a broken leg to doctor.

Your defects are the ways that glory gets manifested.

Whoever sees clearly what’s diseased in himself

Begins to gallop on the Way

Don’t turn your head. Keep looking at the bandaged place.

That’s where the light enters you.

“Shakyamuni Buddha’s Birthday April 15th marks the anniversary of Buddha Shakyamuni demonstrating the attainment of enlightenmentin 589 B.C.E.

This is an extremely important day in the Buddhist calendar because our actions are 100,000 times more powerful than on other days.

This event is marked by special purification and fasting retreats in Kadampa Buddhist Centers worldwide based on the practice Drop of Essential Nectar.

This practice, which is done in conjunction with Eleven-faced Avalokiteshvara. It is very powerful for purifying negative karma of body, speech, and mind, and for pacifying strong delusions such as desirous attachment and hatred.

It is also a special method for receiving blessings and improving our experience of love, compassion, and bodhichitta.

Source: https://kadampa.org/buddhism/buddhas-enlightenment-day

When we talk about Buddha and Buddhism the supreme ultimate goal of enlightment is for the purpose of ALL BEINGS.

I’ve been celebrating Vesak for years, maybe moreso informally. I originated for me years ago when I aligned powerfully with the love and investment in the process of becoming a clear mirror. This continues to be my goal and deepest devotion. For me, this goal was never formally religious but I am learning to move more deeply into my chosen path. For that reason, it is taking on an interesting form.

Libra represents the scales and the balance point. The Aries/Libra spectrum is both an opposition and a connection for common ground. There is awareness of Self in order for the Awareness of Others. If one cannot truly comprehend the value of one’s own precious human life, they cannot fully confirm and practice the preciousness of others’ lives, and other living beings (non-human). I’ve enjoyed astrology and various mystic devotions because they tend to overcome the dogma that is often present with religion. There’s a relationship with the land and the cosmos that speaks so strongly to me of the Earth and our relating within it. The Earth is “our perceived center.” It is a temple in and of itself and the best way for me to express that devotion.

I will be practicing purification for this upcoming Buddha’s birthday, and enjoying my continued spiritual journey in all its forms. I feel the rich tapestry of all the traditions I have been a part of all my life, and my connection and linkage within many lineages as a completion and continuation of my past lives, with the reverence and respect I have carried forward.

Whatever you celebrate, and wherever you are, I hope you are enjoying your precious human life in a way that makes sense to you, and fulfills you!

Happy Full Moon In libra! May we deepen and connect with what is most true for us. Love to all!

Affirmation Saturday for your Aries Vibes

I know that greatness begins in the minds of the great. I know that what I believe about myself is what I will become–so I believe in the best for myself.

I am practical and realistic, and I keep my feet on solid ground. But I also give myself the freedom to live up to my fullest expectations.

I never limit myself by the short-sighted beliefs of others–instead I open myself up to the broad horizons of unlimited possibility.

When someone says I “cannot,” I answer “why not?” When someone says, “It’s impossible,” I answer that nothing is more impossible than I believe it to be. And I truly believe with my individual fortress of faith, with me, anything is possible.

I have drive, spirit, stamina, and endurance. I have a good strong winning attitude about myself and about everything I do. I am practical and realistic, but I also believe in the best possible outcome of any situation.

If I ever had any doubts about myself in the past, today is a good day to put them aside. It’s a good day to throw out any disbelief that ever held me back.

I know that I am headed in the right winning direction, and I look forward and never look back. I have the ability to focus on one thing at a time, so I concentrate my attention on the job at hand–and I get it done!

Today is one of those days when nothing can stand in my way. When I need extra determination, I’ve got it! When I need more energy and drive, I’ve got it! I’ve got the power to get it done and the patience to see it through, no matter what the job or challenge may be.

Right now, even while I am telling myself these truths about me, I know that I can succeed and I am succeeding. At this moment, if I think of any challenge in front of me, I know that I will become even more a winner because of it.

I keep my chin up, my head held high. I look, act, sound, think, and feel like the winner I am! Any-time a problem starts to get me down, I get myself right back up! I tackle problems and I solve them. When frustration or defeat threatens me, I just become that much stronger, more positive, better organized, and more determined than ever!

Right now, today, this very moment, I am capable of giving myself the gift of absolute self-assurance, self-belief, and powerful non-stop confidence in myself.

No matter what it is that requires the very best of me, I can do it and I know I can.

Today is a great day. And I’ve got what it takes. So I choose to do it right, do it well! I choose to live today with joy and love.

I know that it’s all up to me. One hundred percent!–every bit of it. All of it is in how I look at it and what I do about it! That’s what winning is. That’s why I am a winner.

I set my sights. I keep my balance. I don’t hesitate. I don’t hold back! I know that the world is full of opportunities. Look at what I can do; look at where I can go! Look at what I can do just by saying, “Yes!” to myself!

Just look at what I can do today! I am incredible… and today is a great day to show it!

Source: Shad Helmstetter, Ph.D. (1982), from What to Say When You Talk To Your Self.

I want you to know that it doesn’t matter where you start, or where you want to go. What matters is you remove any resistance that you have to reading and believing the above affirmations. You need to see your worthiness, and know that the world needs you. These are the two keys: 1). YOU MATTER 2). The world needs you to be fully in your own power.

If today is the day where you lost all your motivation, then let it drain out of you and commit the first thing in the morning tomorrow. Start making promises to yourself that you keep. Build your rapport with yourself and don’t wait for something ‘outside’ of you to make you feel worthy. No one and nothing can do that for you.

In peace there is confidence. That’s how we rest: we know the good that is on its way because it starts with us.

Rollerskating the Solar Eclipse March 29, 2025

User error had me lose my blog post that I wrote this morning about the upcoming solar eclipse. I selected “yes” to discard my draft. I meant to only discard the picture I posted because I wanted to remove the “location” from the photo for security safety before I posted it. So when I meant to say yes to “discard?,” it was to the photo, and not to the whole post draft (at least to me, but not the computer). Whoops!

That photo will show up later in my post. It’s a good idea, PSA: remove your location from the settings on your pictures before posting them.

So I’m writing (trying) to write the post again. It will be easier to type this on my computer so I will save the draft, now. Before I did that, the issue with updating a photo to my new draft was that the photos screen was no longer working! I deduced that I probably needed to update my jetpack software app on my iphone. This actually worked. Many interruptions, but problem solved. Now, to keep the flow with writing? Haha—

But… Before I could write this post, I also needed to treat a patient in my private practice, and now I want to get this blog post done before my meeting in 40 min. So I will write quickly, but efficiently. (Did I mention that I roller-skated for two hours on Sunday!?) The picture above was from the time I rollerskated before that. I got new skates a few weeks ago! The old Chicago skates were not meant for the serious skater. I went into the store to get a new stopper for the toe tip, and asked about the stability around the plates on the mounting hardware; as a result the woman directed me to buy new skates. I decided since I want to keep my wrists, spine, knees, and all my bones healthy–reduce the chance for falls, I ought to update my skates!

What does this have to do with astrology and the Solar Eclipse in Aries? Well, yes, Aries and mobility: you got that part. But, the first post was more integrated and I helped the reader (YOU!) look back to the following dates:

March 29, 2006

March 29, 1987

These were the last Aries eclipses in the series. This Saturday will be the last in the Aries series until at least 2032. Where is Aries in your chart? You are always welcome to contact me and I can help you look deeper into your personal astrology.

(Honestly the post I wrote before this one was much better) but it was missing the PSA, so I think you know, it’s okay.

For me, the eclipse is going to be taking place in my natal 2nd house of values, earning income and what I claim as mine. For me, it also contains the sign of Pisces, so yes, this aspect of my life has acted like a slippery fish. However, I will say that I am a generous person, very giving and very selfless. In fact this Aries energy has me really eager to meet with my Buddhist class tonight. My Reluctant Shaman group will also be meeting again as I’m starting to get into more and more “group work.” The previous group members all want to do the sessions again, so I will need to pick the date and get started. We have the time figured out that works for us all. Each step at a time.

I’m just gonna move on and share all sorts of stuff from my 5 year old daughter:

She won 2 gold medals this Saturday at her first ever Karate Tournament: She earned it in FORMS and FLAG SPARRING. I’m really proud of her. Also, I can see her personal artist style emerging already! Unlike me (i’ve been an eclectic artist with no real discernible “style,” her style is becoming unmistakeable to me!)

She made this gorgeous mantra box in her meditation class on Sunday–and I photographed it from several angles so you can have a looksie. I see her style in her drawing, coloring, and also in her other artistic media. Her school is really neat and they have a Great Artist event night coming up in April. The student’s grade levels each study an artist who is making social change with their artwork. I’ll share more about her class’s chosen artist to study in the next month or so (hint: She’s Indigenous Australian).

Below is her most recent LEGO creation. She is a genius with following instructions in order to build. This particular set has 3 different things that can be made. Of course the unicorn is the cutest of the 3, so it will probably be showcased for a while before it gets converted into the peacock and the seahorse.

See her box: Please ignore the napkin and the other things I had in my hand. Our lives move so fast, it’s tough enough to capture what I captured! She’s always creating and solving problems. I think it’s lovely there’s a precious mantra inside. “Om Mani ____ ” We don’t know. It’s not OM Mani Padme Om. It’s something else. Oh, it’s “OM ah HUM” which means, “Body, Speech, Mind”

Well, I ran out of time!

Yes, this eclipse is part of the bigness of the Neptune move into Aries bit! You know, that transit will last until 2039. So enjoy! We are definitely living in fast-moving and self-starting times.

How can you motivate yourself this Spring to be with the energy of Aries and also let go of the whole part about the future and all the unknowns? Aries is the fire that gets us moving. Have a great day, week, and apologies for the less than awesome post today–at least for what I wanted to write about astrology. I have a lot to share.

Remember to look at those dates I listed above and spend a wee little bit of time recalling what happened back then for insight into this week and the next 6 months of development.

AUM AH HUM

Struggle vs. Challenge

Gorillas 🦍

I did this pretty quick sketch and I struggled throughout it. But! The whole time I’m thinking to myself: you are listening in during a meeting with a topic that is also challenging, and you are making it work! You are doing the repetitions. The outcome is not the point. The outcome is never the point.

You just go with it. You share.

This is what you couldn’t do when you were younger; when you didn’t know it was okay to be you, AS YOU ARE.

What I did was use a random animal generator online. I wanted to have an animal to work with that was spontaneous and that would make it even more of a challenge.

I could worry about the end product and fix whatever is wrong or could be improved upon, or I can just try again tomorrow with another spontaneous challenge.

What can you do to help yourself stay on the move? If you can stop being so critical and just let go…. What would you do?

Give me some feedback about the emotion here. I’m curious about the energy. Please do share!

Dr. Joe Dispenza Progressive Retreat

The eclipse of the moon in Virgo passes and transcendent thoughts continue to arise. I’m writing this quick piece within the energy of the last day of this event. I will be turning off my phone shortly.

Every human I interacted with I love from the feelings of forever being known in my heart. When I turn off my senses and go into meditation, I let go the über driver, who we also connected, and I recede from all things outside my 5 senses. I become new again by dropping myself into the field.

This field and void is the same one I go into when I am meditating with my Buddhist Sangha, when I am sitting alone in the mornings, or afternoons. This field is the precious pregnant emergent edge of all there is.

Dwelling regularly in the beats of these soft moments, rain or shine, lightning or gray and dull. There’s room for all things to become nothing and for me to live in my own grace.

I’m inviting you into the field with me! Come make your peace and affirm your inner power to create your life, your universe, and your body.

May all beings be free from suffering.

May all beings thrive.

I’m in the 100th year of the old Shrine building in Los Angeles. The city has great energy this weekend. Everyone at the hotel is kind, easy-going. It’s probably because they are all retreat attendees, but no, it’s the staff. Los Angeles is not yucky. The energy is grounded and bustling. People here have dreams and creativity and I can feel it in the air.

May peace be yours…

As it spreads…

Unbroken waves of coherent intentions…

Going into the ALL for the ALL

🥰🌊

Prosperity and Flow

This is one of my two posts for the next week or so, unless poetry is spontaneous. Next week I will be with Joe Dispenza in Los Angeles, meditating. The group session was rescheduled when the fires were raging. Still much healing work to be done in Los Angeles: The City of Angels!

I’ve been working with a local group on prosperity consciousness. We are having fun. This is the first time I’ve actually collaged as I usually manifested my dreams by other means! It’s just fun to be with a group of such heart-centered individuals. I am also and have been studying with Rosemary Gladstar and her very long term students. John Finch will be 80 this year, and Jane Richmond his life partner, both LEO suns like me, have an herb school called, “Self Healing School.” I have been trained for over a decade now in Chinese Herbal Medicine, but I wanted to be closer friends with my local group and so I signed up for their prosperity class. Tonight will be the 3 week of 6. They have spent their decades specializing in Western Herbal Medicine and back in the 70s when Rosemary Gladstar was on this coast, studied at her California Herb School on the Russian River in Northern California. I have a natural affinity with their vibes. They are so heart centered, and basically I just like to hang out at their house and be creative, spiritual, and inspired with them!

You might have guessed, I am a member of so many groups. I am. One day I dream that when I’m ready to really start moving forward with my own offerings, I’ll attract the tribe who want to be by side. As I have too often signed up for others’ groups because of the love of being with them and meeting whomever shows up and being in the synergy.

I’m doing something vulnerable here. I’m actually sharing my INCOMPLETE dream boards. I’m not stressing over details, I’m just having fun as my focus and going with the flow. It’s not DONE ✔️ and I reserve the right to change any and all of it at my whim! All artists understand this. ✨⭐️✨⭐️✨

Plus, I never have to explain myself unless it’s truly necessary. Haha.

So without further ado:

Earthy luxury and sensuous dynamic environments

I’m working on the “right space” for newer visions of workspace AND for the right colleagues to be able to SYNERGIZE so that my own work also grows. Yes I envision some “high end” stuff. So be it. Don’t judge me. I am all about everybody so I plan to have several ways to contribute to the whole and not be exclusive but I need to generate revenue and I’m already highly qualified. I know people generating revenue with much less investment and training that I have invested in. So, it’s more than possible. Oh no! I’m explaining myself. Haha.

Peaceful rejuvenation in a natural environment

And here is my gentle peace:

White space is nurtured as the unsung becoming will end up filling

I’m planning on posting around the time or “in the energy of” the Joe Dispenza meditation group collective.

We are here, all of us, to shift things Spiritually, Materially, and Soufully for the whole. Not one of us can remain behind. Clean and clear your inner Easel! Get your hands dirty in the soil and with the Earth and breathe deep like you deserve to be here. Your body deserves to be well and your mind deserves to be FREE.

We can do this all responsibly…

And with integrity…

And so it is and So mote it Be!

I just got hold of some new organizational tools which will hopefully help. Less “talking” more “doing” and “being.”

I still plan to visit your blogs, your heart’s expressions, your beautiful dreams: May they grow with each day! The pull into satisfaction. Nothing to change, just to accept and be and dream if you desire it, and drop it if you don’t. Be real, be authentic and show up or take time out. It’s all just about YOU, inside you! 🥰🩷

I’m here for you. You are here for me! We are all in this together!

Of Loss and Faith: Pisces New Moon

New Moon in Pisces

This is a highly spiritual and artistic chart that could have us floundering in experiences that threaten our ideals while simultaneously strengthening them. We could be in a moment of crisis or loss, fear could be setting in. Or, we could also be deepening our faith in a higher power or more omniscient mind beyond our own. This is a time for engaging and summoning in resources that make miracles, where we suspend our overgrown and innate ability to disbelieve everything in the face of momentous change and unknown.

Pisces ♓️ is all about uncharted territory so a chart so focused on this sign is almost an oxymoron “focused on the unknown.” This is an objectless awareness. We are confronted with all the mysteries of connection and loss at this time. That also makes this time highly transformative and deep. We can become more meditative around our ideals and use our spiritual connection to divinity to stay afloat.

Moon squaring Jupiter can have us reflecting a bit in a fun house mirror: objects can also appear bigger, smaller or more contorted than really exist. Our aims might be out of sink with our realities, or conversely it might be time to call on more heavenly and otherworldly resources to make us into the more that we need to be in order to face our “not enoughness” that is often triggered with a transit like this. Don’t fall for the illusion that you are not enough. With the help of higher power and your faith and belief, you can be surprised by your repletion: even more than enough! You are stuffed.

Mercury conjunct Saturn in sextile with Uranus in Taurus will probably have us scaling down. We can question more about restrictions (Saturn) in how we navigate (Mercury) and communicate (Mercury). With the sextile to Uranus there’s more awareness around what’s unique and what stands out as a persistent weirdness infiltrating our regular constructs of reality (Saturn) and day to day (Mercury) .

Losses abound during such a transit.

There might be immense grief around crumbling, dissolving (Piscean) securities. There could be much personal loss as well. This is a time to have unshakable faith. It’s a time when faith is also the most challenged. You can’t really have one without the other. We are tested as a sort of “rite of passage” to supplant our fears and concerns with right action, complete clarity around our values, and realistic, tempered idealism. Make a plan, chart a course, and get really real with your transcendent self. If you came to the planet to self-actualize then “get to it.” Mars is now stationed direct in Cancer, the momentum is moving forward. The inner world (Pisces) is more important than what you see in the world manifesting at this time. Explore the divine within and know. Be still and know.

Inspiration 🌱

This morning I wanted to ride the upcoming Piscean wave 🌊 out loud. I’m about to jump on a call with my colleagues for a study session for our continuing deep dive education. This year 2025 is a year of culmination for me. It’s a 9 year so that’s fitting, but numerology aside, it felt like 2024 had too much in it and left undone as certain milestones are set to be complete this year and into the beginning of the next, just one or two left over to finish.

Eventually I will be opening up my energy work to everyone, far and wide. This includes offerings for those here and those who join later. I am not just practicing Reiki but another form of energy medicine I have been training in for the past year called Entheos Energy Medicine. It’s a fusion of all the stuff I was doing before on my own but also with the solid foundation provided by my teacher, Briana Borten, who has put it all together within all that she has trained in for over 20 years. She gives me a glimpse of what it would look like when I start fusing this all and providing it to others in a format. I’m about to begin year 2 while I finish working on year 1 of her Spirit Medicine Academy.

Meanwhile I am an apprentice in the Shamanic Medicine Woman Studies and my teacher plants 🌱 are my highest formal guides within the work. I practice and work many energy sessions per week in addition to my acupuncture and herbalism work. So much is already fusing together. I made some herbal oils and some lip balm.

In the meantime, I make the smallest effort to return to painting. 🖼️ I figure small effort is better than no effort, considering in all the stuff I am already managing ( I didn’t even share the half of it), I’m feeling blessed enough to get moving with sharing some visuals:

Mountainous inspiration

For me the unfinished white of a canvas as something I was trained NOT TO DO. Therefore, I suppose I can’t help it. That white feels deeply satisfying to me and gives me room to breathe. This mountain from my mind reminds me of an oil painting I did when I was 16 of a location I visited when I was 15 in Ireland. They look different but there’s something similar there, which got me to thinking: we are always “adding up” on top of what we’ve done before.

My father in law said the wise words I will never forget: “Learning is cumulative.” I think each part of each thing I do touches each part of everything else that I do. This is holism.

Something emerging

This morning, as I’m about to jump on a call to study skin conditions with my colleagues as we prepare for our next big exams coming up this year, I thought… you want to just make some swirly marks this morning. And so I did. It’s like calling in the snake 🐍 energy I enjoy working with.

Finally since and only since I brought it up: I’m gonna share two pictures of my herbals and then get to work (other work).

I was laughing with my husband and saying “I am always working.” Regardless if I bring in any money, I’m always increasing my “worth.”

We live in weird society and things are rapidly changing. Who knows what to rely on besides our creative strength to adapt and heal. Coming up with new ideas might eventually get me in the place where I’m a solid contributor to the collective. I have a long way to go yet but many of my other dreams have some true. As I prepare for this Pisces New Moon, I’m tossing those dreams in the cauldron for good cooking and easy digestion (for one day it will all come into form in the most beautiful and aligned way!)

Rose and Cardamom Lip Balm
Cooled
The raw beauty
The yummiest herbal oil I ever made with Thyme

Well, here’s to more thyme! (time) and making the best of the time we got here. I gave away half of the lip balms I made so far. They are lovely and light on the skin. Highly recommend! Haha.😆

Stay tuned for my real Piscean New Moon Post around the 27th! Happy flowing!

Dolphin 🐬 test

Fresh sketch a couple of minutes ago. I wanted to do a test post and my inner guides said “sketch dolphins” 🐬 so I did. Haha.

The purpose of this post is a test. I talked to the tech support and so far we can’t figure out why some of you cannot comment on my recent post (this one).

For some of you, my comments are showing up on the host blog, but for others of you, I only know of your comments from other spaces (not attached to that particular post). I’m sorry that this has not been working. I’m trying to collect more information for tech support for whatever I can do on my end.

Can you comment on this one?

Full Moon In Leo: “Who is this I?”

Hello lovely friends and visitors,

Whether I’ve known you for a while and we are constantly exchanging endearments (thank you!I can’t enjoy that enough!), or you are new to my world here at Fiestaestrellas.com, you are equally welcome 🙂 Come, and warm yourself by the virtual fire. You are welcomed into this space of our remembering unity.

I’m sitting here in the firelight with the chart for the full moon in Leo. See above, above. As a “Leo Sun,” myself, it gives me something to draw from: my own limited (yet nevertheless valuable) experience. Ironically, my own experience is deepening and expanding so much so that I am not identifying with the same “I” as I used to. Take a pause here with me.

Does the “I” have context and contents that are really real?

There is more awareness around myself AS others. You and me, we are one. Sometimes I can see myself sitting at my desk, writing. Doing the things I do with awareness of both being in the body, and not of the body.

We are.

It’s odd how the mind just needs to be trained to see things as they really are.

The Course In Miracles and many other tools exist to try to train/untrain the mind into clarity. You may ask, why isn’t clarity just inherent? It’s a great question.

I think the answer is that the mind is malleable, flexible, and at best: ‘neutral’ as its own inherent quality. But this also makes the mind impressionable. We are formed and forged by our backgrounds, environments, ancestors, connections, and familiarity. Eventually these impressions harden like any good molding material that you want to use for later (memory!).

What I learn from my deepening with Buddhism through the lens of my current teacher Geshe Kelsang Gyatso, or “Geshla,” is that the nature of reality really is emptiness. Nothing exists on the other side of the mind. The mind is the generator of all phenomena on the mind’s side of things. So if we identify this mind with the “I” we are lost in the woods, so to speak. But, if we never form memories or impressions, we are also lost in the woods, so to speak. chuckle.

What the meaning is of life therefore is the meaning you give it. Who is “you?” Where are its boundaries?

For this Full Moon in Leo, we have Uranus in a nearly perfect square (90 degree) aspect to both the Sun and Mercury (in Aquarius) as one point of focus and the moon in Leo on the opposite point of focus. Dividing that opposition (180 degrees) or line, is Uranus: the Great Awakener. The planet does have this reputation for a reason. In 1781, the astronomer William Herschel looked up into the constellation of Gemini and thought he found a comet but it turned out to be the 7th planet in our solar system. In fact, Herschel wanted to name Uranus after a British monarch but many others in the world disagreed so they stuck to the convention of naming the planet after a figure in mythology; however, Uranus is Greek, and not Roman like the other planet names, which makes Uranus “unique.” This is a “break” from convention. If that’s not weird enough, Uranus’s orbit is virtually perpendicular to its orbital pathway; Uranus is laying down and spinning. Since Uranus was a later discovery from Saturn (the rule-maker), Uranus gets the reputation of reality construct breaker. Uranus is also “in charge” of what we consider the collective for humanity. Well, as if we aren’t completely thrown into a new world, already this year in 2025 with great billionaire bulls in the China shops of politics, government, and businesses, slashing and burning our structures and institutions one by one. Institutions (like Rome) that weren’t built in a day. The majority of us would probably agree the slash and burn is happening without any ideas of reasonable replacement. It FEELS careless, at best.

So, where does all this put a Leo full moon? Well, you can run around talking about how Leo is so self-important and aiming to just “show off” or you could see how the “individual,” “me” and “I,” is really a veneer or avatar FOR the collective. No one gets anywhere without their ego to help them stay alive. If you are dead, then, well, you aren’t doing anything–at all. Unless you are a strong ghost (but even then, you probably needed to have a strong ego in life before you died). Ego is almost synonymous with the mind in the way I am defining here. It’s inherently neutral and merely a creator. It’s a little creator, though. It doesn’t make anything real. The false Ego is the one that generates the delusions. The healthy ego is the one that is in balance with the whole, as part of it, as a collaborator with the collective.

Imagine if we didn’t have names. It would be very confusing in the early days of telephones when they used to be SHARED by households. Who are you calling for? What if you wanted to get someone’s attention in a crowd? What if you are the one holding the “hot potato” in the “hot potato” game. WE can’t call you. Having a name is like having an existence. Having an existence allows you to be considered, heard, referred to, etc etc. So the mind is so important for sorting things out and helping all of us be US– getting through our days with some healthy little bit of order.

This is where Leo comes in. What stands out to me with Leo, as a sign, is COURAGE. Leo exists. There’s an organizing principle not because anyone is special and deserves it. But, nature and energy, is organized. When we watch and marvel at life being formed, we look at how the cells collect and specialize. That’s a lot like us. We are nature. We are not separate from it. We are not merely destroying nature separate from ourselves. We are organization. We are an organizing force, and this is where, to me, the APPEARANCE of Leo shows up. The energy to BE. The energy to exist. It requires collaboration. It requires creation even in the form of little “i.” That “i” cannot be negated, nor should you really want it to be. It need be integrated, but not to fully dissolve. It can gain momentum and organizing power, momentum. Courage is not just a quality of character, its a quality of energy. It requires health to be courageous. It requires strength. This is what we want to cultivate during our Leo times.

Sketch of Dog

My sketch ✍️ unknown time( within last few years)

Since my art in terms of drawing and painting has been dormant for a very long time, while other aspects of my creativity have been active, I was about to leave the house to pick up my child from school and drive her to her next activity when I thought I might “check in” with a notebook, and see if I gave myself just two minutes if something wanted to flow through the pen. I have about 10 actual minutes to reset my brain from working with clients and herbs.

A new drawing didn’t happen.

Instead, I was surprised to find this dog. It’s as if the dog was patiently waiting for me to rediscover it in this book. My loyal companion, my art. My puppy love. 💗 Instead, I got a reminder about a passion of mine which continues to exist unseen.

I’m curious to see how this unfolds in the coming days…

Meanwhile my daughter has been very prolific. I look forward to the days where our creativity intersects even more. Time for some more fun and play!

When was the last time you felt playful, and what got you feeling that way?

******

This weekend Sun and Mercury are Cazimi in Aquarius. For me it’s close to my natal S. Node (past lives) in Aquarius ♒️. When Sun and Mercury are conjoined it’s the start of a new cycle of how the mind is used. And the ego can also either overshadow or go “bloop” and divine mind can redeem that golden thread of straw being spun into gold: brilliant ideas and novel insights. Make the best of it! 💡 and wait for the lightbulb moment. Ideas for freedom and innovation are ripe to emerge.

Cat Study

Step by step
Wires and assembly
Almost there!
Cozy in the Cat Study; Reading
Complete

This winter I dreamed of what it would be like to have my little fireplace lit 🔥 in my kitty study 📚 while I read and fantasized about far-off places.

I originally made this study for my daughter who loves cats. I do too, but I’ve been allergic. Probably because I am part cat. 🐱

The little one put each little sticker on each little book.

Finally, here to enjoy!

Would anyone like to name our resident kitty?

Lunar New Year– Aquarius NM Jan 29, 2025

Hello and welcome.

We will be entering the year of the “Wood Snake,” in the Chinese calendar. This, as with many Asian and Jewish cultural traditions (and countless others I didn’t mention) have a focus on the lunar calendar (basing the new year on that) vs. just the solar calendar/Gregorian calendar. The Chinese calendar is more-so based on the planet Jupiter. Jupiter changes signs approx every year. So, the Chinese “animal” is annual. These different astrological frameworks (cultural traditions), can enhance and help flesh out interpretations of what’s to come, be, or what feels like it’s ripe and ready to turn the corner. They are complimentary to each other, rather than contradictory. Consider it all a Zen Koan.

I’m not getting a ton of intuitive insights right now, but I will share what I’ve got. This year has the potential to be very creative and full of growth. The wood energy is all very directional and intentional–so having some solid and flexible plans (think of bamboo) will certainly help to make the best use of this energy. With the Western astrological sign of Aquarius, we are also looking at a time of pretty profound novel ideas. The air element in the Western astrology is *very* present. Just look at the astrological map down below: 4 planets in absolute or near conjunction: Sun, Moon (yes we call the moon a planet in astrology), Mercury and Pluto! Wow wee… With Mercury there, and newly minted “Pluto in Aquarius” for he long haul, the emphasis is on transformational and profound ideas, and changes! Power is being reconfigured in every single way. With the presence of Pluto, nothing will look the same again. But, I think you already knew that! Hah!

Venus and Neptune in Pisces can actually strongly enhance our intuition, and our ability to tap the spiritual for compassion, comfort, and more. Interestingly, those two planets, along with Saturn in Pisces are forming a “trine” or easy-flow aspect to Mars in Retrograde) in Cancer. The time is now to work through those emotions, clarify that road within to understand the movements of our urges and desires. We have a change to step back and get a better angle on seeing it all from different perspectives with that strong help from Aquarius!!! It’s a good time work with the desire nature in a way that tempers it, but also, while helping that desire nature to flourish in a productive way (pointing back to the “message from the Lunar New Year: growth and creativity!).

As if there wasn’t enough Aquarian influence, that Venus/Neptune conjunction is also in harmonious aspect with Uranus (sextile) and that means that whenever Mars and Uranus start moving forward again (Did you guess it would be so close to the New Moon/Lunar New Year?!– Jan 30th), innovation rules the roost! Mars won’t follow suit until Feb 24 when it goes direct in Cancer at 17 degrees. This is actually marvelous. Uranus astrologically is definitely known as the great disruptor–but also the great liberator! Humanity needs to see clearly, but can it? With the strong Piscean addendum/influence to this Lunar New Year, it seems that there could certainly be a lot of confusion. What does the muddling mean? Well, the Ego won’t tell you. And, the Ego is okay and not a bad guy, but fear is the matrix for promoting non-change, “stay the same” and not reclaiming any new freedoms. So there is a need to “wake up.” It’s not a really good catch phrase, “wake up.” A better word form would be “SEE CLEARLY NOW.” How can we see clearly if we already have so many fears and conclusions? It’s much harder to keep the mind open, to watch, and wait and see. Isn’t it? Well, this is the time to do that.

Focus on your only locus of control: your own life, behavior, patterns, thoughts, schedules, and rhythms, and that will really, really help. To back up what I’m saying, Mercury in Aquarius is forming a trine to Jupiter in Gemini. There can be some transformation in the “lightening up of the load” by truly focusing on the narrow and small. The narrow and small, and the big picture can both be part of the clarity–but none of us our omniscient, so we gotta work with just what we’ve got now. What is right there in front of you, staring right back? That doesn’t mean you can’t strive for more. It just means you have to start with the stump you are already on, right now. Right here, and right now.

Happy Lunar New Year Everyone!

Let’s make this a year to grow our own gardens of possibility. It can take on any form. And the best part is, all you need to do is make the choice, and then hold the “space for it.” Yeow! Let’s have the best time we can!

You are here! 🌎🌍🌏 Cancer Full Moon 🌕

The Full Moon in Cancer

Welp, here we are. We are at the start of the New Year with the Lunar New Year just around the corner. It will be a bit of the “Take two” and a chance to rewrite the solar year’s less “organic” start to the year. Whether you are a fan of the Sun or the Moon, it’s a bit like being a dog or a cat lover. Some are both. I would put myself in that camp. While I am allergic to cats (or was, long story not for now), I did have a dog who was golden like the sun, a retriever. We did actually have a kitten named “Brendy” who ran away. The kitten and puppy did play together, actually.

I loved them both. I was so sad when Brendy bolted. Maybe an animal got her. One day she just didn’t respond to her name being called. My heart still aches for the little girl who called to her trying so hard to make her voice like a magical lasso to reel the kitten back into the fold. We love you. I love you. I wanted my love to reach her. I tried so hard, called louder, tried different inflections.

But now, it’s 2025.

I’m a dog and cat lover for different reasons. I think cats and dogs should get along but I understand why most don’t. I’m also a sun and moon lover. Probably because my sun is in Leo (its domicile) and my moon is in Cancer (its domicile). I guess you could say “I’m at home.”

That’s what this cancer full moon is all about but with a twist. The energy is mega intense. We have Mars and Pluto acting very strongly in this Full Moon chart.

Not my most amazing photo but clearly the moon is Vivid and Full

The Sun is nearly next to Pluto and the Moon is paired with Mars. This adds some spiciness to the familiar, the comforts, and tension with Pluto. We are here to grow and stretch ourselves and in the midst of that find and define home.

Right now so many people in Los Angeles are suffering through losses, bad fumes and devastation. Over night people have lost their homes and insurances have bailed. They are without. It wrenches my heart to think that people are suffering like this.

Look for the helpers. This moon is all about the helpers and finding them and fueling them to do what they can do best: understand NEEDS.

The sign of Cancer is very explicit in pointing to and differentiating needs from wants. Mars is here, though. There can be urgency.

Settling the nervous system is always a good idea but maybe it will help to use this Moon’s wisdom to get ever more clearer about those body and emotional needs. Get clear about your physiological needs around peace and calm so you can be more clear about triggers and irritations as they arise and are bodily expressed.

My focus is to point out that Uranus, the Awakener, here is positively interacting with BOTH the Sun and Moon. This is opportunity to enlighten around what changes in consciousness can be made to make home more what it should be, more what suits your comforts and needs to settling, needs for sleep and calm. Also, Uranus is in Taurus helping to awaken the senses to be more in tune with how to distribute the energies. What colors and sounds are soothing for you? There much to explore to become more in alignment with those daily needs that Cancer full moon 🌝 needs to get cozy.

I’d love to hear from you. Share your experiences and desires here. Mars’ presence with the Full Moon is going to be giving you messages around your energy level fluctuations, motivations, and more. There is so much beauty in how we strive for the sake of our families and the love in community we extend from our family into the greater world. How can we expand the cozy bubble? Can we become closer friends with the foes experienced through our environment?

These are some thoughts to work with.

💗

Here’s a cute aside: My daughter’s calendar has the moon on it and we are talking about how the symbols on the calendar represent the Full Moon for today and how approximately a week from now it will be a “half moon” as she called it, and then approx a week after that on the 29th, a new moon. “Blank.” On the calendar it’s pictured as a dark circle. It’s so fun that she’s naturally interested and attentive to the moon as it corresponds on the calendar. She noticed it herself. Just 5 years old and her observation skills are getting ready! She’s getting the tools and soon she can apply and make note of what she discovers!